Asus ZenBook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T Convertible Review
For the original German review, see here.
Asus' ZenBook Flip UX360UAK is the sister model of the identically built ZenBook flip UX360UA that we tested a while ago. The new model is basically a Kaby Lake upgrade. However, improvements have also been made in other areas. Rivals of the ZenBook are devices such as Acer's Spin 5 SP513-51, Lenovo's Yoga 910-13IKB, Dell's XPS 13-9365, and HP's Spectre x360 13.
Since the UX360UA and the UX360UAK are identical, we will not go into details about the casing, configuration, keyboard, and speakers. The corresponding information can be found in the review of the ZenBook Flip UX360UA.
Have the hinges been reworked?
The biggest weakness of the Skylake model that we tested a few months ago was its hinges. They were too weak to keep the lid in every position. The lid closed at an opening angle of 45 degrees. This also happened at an opening angle of 135 degrees: The lid dropped to the surface. This is no longer the case with our current review sample. The hinges have been pulled noticeably tighter and thus allow for all intended modes of use.
Maintenance
The ZenBook does not have a maintenance hatch. The base tray has to be removed for accessing the innards. This requires releasing all (Torx) screws on the device's underside. Positive: no additional screws are hidden behind the rubber stoppers. The base tray can then be removed. However, the Wi-Fi antennas are on the inside of the base tray and connect the tray and motherboard with wires.
| SD Card Reader | |
| average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs) | |
| Dell XPS 13-9365 2-in-1 | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| Asus Zenbook UX360UA-C4159T | |
| Asus Zenbook UX360CA-FC060T | |
| maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB) | |
| Dell XPS 13-9365 2-in-1 | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| Asus Zenbook UX360CA-FC060T | |
| Asus Zenbook UX360UA-C4159T | |
| Networking | |
| iperf3 transmit AX12 | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| Dell XPS 13-9365 2-in-1 | |
| Acer Spin 5 SP513-51 | |
| iperf3 receive AX12 | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| Acer Spin 5 SP513-51 | |
| Dell XPS 13-9365 2-in-1 | |
| iperf Server (receive) TCP 1 m | |
| Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE | |
| Asus Zenbook UX360UA-C4159T | |
| iperf Client (transmit) TCP 1 m | |
| Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE | |
| Asus Zenbook UX360UA-C4159T | |
Display
The ZenBook is equipped with a 13.3-inch touchscreen that has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Its brightness (349.7 cd/m²) and contrast (1269:1) are compelling. Unfortunately, the screen exhibits PWM flickering at a frequency of 50 Hz in brightness levels of 50% and lower. This can lead to headaches and/or eye problems even in users who are not sensitive to the light.
Our review sample is equipped with an anti-glare screen protector. It actually provides a very visible improvement compared to glossy screens.
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Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 374 cd/m²
Contrast: 1269:1 (Black: 0.29 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.26 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.86
ΔE Greyscale 5.87 | 0.09-98 Ø5.1
92% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
60% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
65.2% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
91.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
64.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.42
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T IPS, 1920x1080, 13.3" | Asus Zenbook UX360UA-C4159T IPS, 1920x1080, 13.3" | Asus Zenbook UX360CA-FC060T IPS with 72% NTSC, 1920x1080, 13.3" | Acer Spin 5 SP513-51 IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.3" | Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE IPS, 3840x2160, 13.9" | Dell XPS 13-9365 2-in-1 IPS, 1920x1080, 13.3" | HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx IPS, 1920x1080, 13.3" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 1% | 2% | -37% | -3% | -25% | 0% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 64.1 | 64.8 1% | 65.1 2% | 39.99 -38% | 62.2 -3% | 47.32 -26% | 65.4 2% |
| sRGB Coverage | 91.8 | 93.1 1% | 93 1% | 59.5 -35% | 90.1 -2% | 71.1 -23% | 90.4 -2% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 65.2 | 66 1% | 66.5 2% | 41.32 -37% | 63.5 -3% | 48.83 -25% | 65.8 1% |
| Response Times | 25% | 19% | -28% | -9% | -27% | 2% | |
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 36 ? | 29 ? 19% | 29 ? 19% | 56 ? -56% | 46 ? -28% | 48 ? -33% | 33.2 ? 8% |
| Response Time Black / White * | 27 ? | 19 ? 30% | 22 ? 19% | 27 ? -0% | 24 ? 11% | 32.8 ? -21% | 28 ? -4% |
| PWM Frequency | 50 ? | 50 ? | 192 ? | 1042 ? | |||
| Screen | -4% | -8% | -7% | -15% | -11% | -14% | |
| Brightness middle | 368 | 344 -7% | 302 -18% | 245 -33% | 348 -5% | 322.6 -12% | 334.6 -9% |
| Brightness | 350 | 326 -7% | 298 -15% | 233 -33% | 310 -11% | 306 -13% | 319 -9% |
| Brightness Distribution | 87 | 86 -1% | 90 3% | 87 0% | 80 -8% | 91 5% | 90 3% |
| Black Level * | 0.29 | 0.27 7% | 0.21 28% | 0.21 28% | 0.25 14% | 0.19 34% | 0.336 -16% |
| Contrast | 1269 | 1274 0% | 1438 13% | 1167 -8% | 1392 10% | 1698 34% | 996 -22% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 5.26 | 5.53 -5% | 6.33 -20% | 4.2 20% | 7.86 -49% | 7.7 -46% | 6.21 -18% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 8.78 | 10.01 -14% | 11.89 -35% | 8.75 -0% | 13.43 -53% | 11.1 -26% | 12 -37% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 5.87 | 6.67 -14% | 8.13 -39% | 3.94 33% | 8.25 -41% | 7.9 -35% | 7.71 -31% |
| Gamma | 2.42 91% | 2.43 91% | 2.52 87% | 2.66 83% | 2.05 107% | 2.88 76% | 2.36 93% |
| CCT | 6998 93% | 7012 93% | 6811 95% | 6096 107% | 6834 95% | 7044 92% | 6458 101% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 60 | 60 0% | 60 0% | 38 -37% | 58 -3% | 44.1 -26% | 58.6 -2% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 92 | 93 1% | 93 1% | 59 -36% | 90 -2% | 69.9 -24% | 90 -2% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 7% /
1% | 4% /
-3% | -24% /
-15% | -9% /
-12% | -21% /
-16% | -4% /
-9% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 50 Hz | ≤ 50 % brightness setting |  |
The display backlight flickers at 50 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 50 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting. The frequency of 50 Hz is very low, so the flickering may cause eyestrain and headaches after extended use. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8426 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
Asus has preloaded a color profile ex-factory. Consequently, the color reproduction is better than the other comparable devices in the state of delivery. The DeltaE 2000 color deviation is 5.26. A rate less than 3 would be desirable. The screen does not exhibit a bluish tint.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 27 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 6 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 21 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 65 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.6 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 36 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 15 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 21 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 47 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (32.3 ms). | ||
Asus has equipped the ZenBook with a viewing angle stable IPS panel. Thus, the screen is legible from every position. The screen's brightness and contrast would allow for outdoor use. However, the screen's glossy surface proves to be a problem in many cases, particularly in bright sunlight despite the anti-glare protector. The ZenBook has to be placed so that reflections are prevented.
Performance
With the ZenBook Flip UX360UAK, Asus has a 13.3-inch convertible in its lineup. The installed Kaby Lake processor has enough computing power even for applications beyond the office and Internet. Our review sample is sold for just under 1000 Euros (~$1061). Other configurations and colors are available.
Processor
Intel's Core i5-7200U (Kaby Lake) dual-core processor is inside the ZenBook. It is a power-efficient ULV model with a TDP of 15 watts. The processor clocks at a base speed of 2.5 GHz, which can be boosted up to 3.1 GHz (both cores) via Turbo. Turbo is utilized in both AC and battery mode.
| Cinebench R10 | |
| Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx | |
| Dell XPS 13-9365 2-in-1 | |
| Rendering Single 32Bit | |
| HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx | |
| Dell XPS 13-9365 2-in-1 | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| Geekbench 3 | |
| 32 Bit Single-Core Score | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| 32 Bit Multi-Core Score | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| Geekbench 4.0 | |
| 64 Bit Single-Core Score | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| 64 Bit Multi-Core Score | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| JetStream 1.1 - Total Score | |
| Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE | |
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T | |
| Asus Zenbook UX360UA-C4159T | |
| Dell XPS 13-9365 2-in-1 | |
| Asus Zenbook UX360CA-FC060T | |
| Acer Spin 5 SP513-51 | |
System Performance
The system performance does not give any reason for complaint. The strong processor and fast SSD ensure a smoothly running system. The very good PCMark 8 score confirms the subjective impression. A working memory that operates in dual-channel mode rounds this off. The ZenBook looks impressive in most application fields. Increasing the performance is not possible as Asus has exhausted all options.
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 3665 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Device
A solid-state drive by Micron is installed as the system drive. It is an M.2 model with a total capacity of 256 GB. 210 GB can be used. The rest of the storage capacity is divided into the Windows installation and a recovery partition. The SSD's transfer rates are good.
| Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T Micron SSD 1100 (MTFDDAV256TBN) | Asus Zenbook UX360UA-C4159T SK Hynix Canvas SC300 512GB M.2 (HFS512G39MND) | Asus Zenbook UX360CA-FC060T Lite-On CV1-8B128 | Lenovo Yoga 910-13IKB-80VF004CGE Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512 | Dell XPS 13-9365 2-in-1 Toshiba NVMe THNSN5256GPUK | HP Spectre x360 13-w023dx Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV512 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CrystalDiskMark 3.0 | 13% | -17% | 111% | 76% | 96% | |
| Read Seq | 478.4 | 452.1 -5% | 497 4% | 1412 195% | 1206 152% | 1376 188% |
| Write Seq | 419.9 | 421.3 0% | 182.9 -56% | 578 38% | 629 50% | 571 36% |
| Read 512 | 351.7 | 288.6 -18% | 353 0% | 701 99% | 966 175% | 679 93% |
| Write 512 | 294.2 | 310.7 6% | 144.1 -51% | 580 97% | 410.7 40% | 571 94% |
| Read 4k | 24 | 28.52 19% | 31.89 33% | 43.5 81% | 32.93 37% | 42.66 78% |
| Write 4k | 87 | 72.1 -17% | 62 -29% | 159.7 84% | 121.2 39% | 137.9 59% |
| Read 4k QD32 | 199.3 | 389.6 95% | 207.7 4% | 570 186% | 411 106% | 535 168% |
| Write 4k QD32 | 232.4 | 285.3 23% | 131.8 -43% | 488.7 110% | 250.2 8% | 361.2 55% |
Graphics Card
Intel's HD Graphics 620 GPU is responsible for video output. It supports DirectX 12 and clocks at up to 1000 MHz. The 3DMark 2011 benchmark scores are at a normal level for this GPU. The device benefits from the working memory that operates in dual-channel mode here.
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 1741 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
Quite a number of games can be played on the ZenBook. However, we primarily mean games with low hardware requirements. Low resolutions and low quality settings are usually also needed for these games. Performance-driven hits, such as "Mafia 3" are never playable.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 54.7 | 32.6 | 26.6 | 8.4 |
| Resident Evil 7 (2017) | 29.9 | 13.1 | ||
| For Honor (2017) | 23.4 | 8.9 |
Emissions and Energy Management
System Noise
The ZenBook's fan is often inactive while idling and silence prevails. However, the fan speeds up for a moment, even under light load (opening a website). Unfortunately, it then produces a quiet whistling sound. The fan speeds up a bit more during load. We measured a noise level of 36 dB(A) in the stress test. An occasional electronic noise can be heard when an ear is placed on the device.
For the fan noise to be cancelled in routine use, the fan management has to be adjusted manually. We use the tool NoteBook FanControl. It allows adapting the fan speeds of supported laptops. The latest version (1.5) supports the ZenBook. However, the user should be aware that it is used at their own risk. Damages due to overheating are on one's own account.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 30.7 / 30.7 / 31.7 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 38.5 / 36 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 30.7 dB(A) | ||
Temperature
The ZenBook performed our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) the same way in both AC and battery mode. The processor started the test at a stable 2.5 GHz, and the graphics unit clocked at 450 to 750 MHz. The CPU's clock was reduced to 1.5 to 1.6 GHz after about 5 minutes while the GPU accelerated up to 950 to 1000 MHz. The rates did not change in the course of the test. The laptop did not heat up excessively. 40 degrees Celsius (~104 degrees Fahrenheit) was marginally exceeded on only two measuring points during the stress test.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 41.2 °C / 106 F, compared to the average of 35.4 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 60 °C for the class Convertible.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 41 °C / 106 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 23.3 °C / 74 F, compared to the device average of 30.3 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 28.4 °C / 83.1 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28 °C / 82.4 F (-0.4 °C / -0.7 F).
Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T audio analysis
(-) | not very loud speakers (63 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 10.1% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (2.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (14.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 21% of all tested devices in this class were better, 3% similar, 76% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 20%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 16% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 80% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 6% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 91% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 4% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 95% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Frequency diagram in comparison (checkboxes above can be turned on/off!)
Power Consumption
The laptop does not exhibit any irregularities in terms of power consumption. We measured a maximum idle power consumption of 8.6 watts. The rate climbed to 38.3 watts during the stress test. However, the consumption quickly dropped again to 30.2 watts since the CPU throttled. The power supply has a nominal output of 45 watts.
| Off / Standby | 0.32 / 0.36 Watt |
| Idle | 4.2 / 7.4 / 8.6 Watt |
| Load |
32 / 30.2 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
Battery Runtime
Our practical Wi-Fi test simulates the load needed for opening websites via a script. The "Balanced" profile is enabled, the laptop's energy-saving features are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The ZenBook achieved a runtime of 11:42 hours, and outstripped its Skylake predecessor by a good 2 hours.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The Skylake model of the ZenBook that we had previously tested presented weak hinges. They could not hold the lid at certain angles and it closed. We cannot say whether this was a unique case or whether it was a general issue. However, we can say that the hinges of our present review sample are pulled tighter and allow for all intended modes of use.
A success the second time around: Asus delivers a largely decent convertible with its ZenBook UX360UAK. However, the device's whistling fan is inappropriate.
The installed Core i5 processor from the Kaby Lake generation has more than enough computing power for all common application scenarios. The laptop does not heat up excessively and usually runs quietly, at least while idling. The fan proves to be one of the ZenBook's weaknesses as soon as it speeds up. It produces a quiet whistling sound that should not occur. A fast SSD ensures a smooth running system. Users who want to replace the SSD with a higher-capacity model will have to remove the base unit's tray. A maintenance hatch is not present.
The battery life is outstanding. The ZenBook outruns the Skylake model in this regard. The keyboard is also good. The IPS panel pleases with high brightness, high contrast, stable viewing angles and its color reproduction in the state of delivery is more than decent. Our review sample came with an anti-glare screen protector that leads to a clear improvement compared with glossy screens. It is surprising that Asus does not advertise this.
Asus Zenbook Flip UX360UAK-BB351T
- 02/21/2017 v6 (old)
Sascha Mölck
Price comparison
